Joint Trade Union Response
Dear colleagues,
Following the update shared with you on 14 July, I am writing to update you on the university’s Annual Pay Award for 2026/27. This follows the conclusion of positive and constructive negotiations between the University Negotiating Team and the recognised Joint Trade Unions (JTU) – UCU, Unison and Unite.
I am pleased to share that the university’s offer has been accepted in full by JTU members.
Therefore, in accordance with the Local Pay Bargaining constitution, the University Management Board will implement the university’s final pay offer, which includes:
- 3.5% pay increase for all roles on Imperial scales, with a minimum of £1,500 pro-rated for colleagues who do not work full-time
- 2 additional days of annual leave (from 25 to 27 – with one day added to the current annual leave year’s allocation in August 2026; and the full two days added to the new annual leave year from 1 February 2027)
- 26 weeks of full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up from 18)
- Up to a maximum of 10 days carers' leave with the first 5 being fully paid
These changes to our Total Reward offer will be implemented from August 2026. The changes confirm our ongoing commitment to ensuring our staff are appropriately recognised and rewarded for the vital role they play.
We would like to thank the JTU for the open and collaborative discussions throughout the 2026/27 local pay negotiations.
Visit the Annual Pay Award webpages for further information on Imperial’s local pay bargaining process.
Many thanks,
Kathryn Al-Shemmeri
Chief People Officer